How Jeremiah Nanai’s big switch will impact North Queensland Cowboys attack in 2025
Cowboys star Jeremiah Nanai is set for the biggest change in his career as he looks to recapture his form as one of the NRL’s greatest aerial threats. Find out how his move will impact the Cowboys’ attack.
NRL
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Cowboys star Jeremiah Nanai insists a move to the left edge won’t hamper his ability to be one of the NRL’s greatest aerial threats.
Since 2022, only Melbourne Storm winger Xavier Coates (21) has scored more tries from kicks than Nanai’s 18.
But that incredible record is under threat following the departure of veteran halfback Chad Townsend, who Nanai formed a fearsome combination with over the past three years.
Almost half of Nanai’s tries in the NRL have been assisted by Townsend (16 of 36) with nine coming from Townsend kicks.
The 22-year-old backrower burst onto the NRL scene with 17 tries in 23 appearances across his rookie season in 2022. Nanai was still classed as a rookie as he only played four games in 2021.
Shoulder injuries hampered his 2023 campaign, but last year Nanai was able to recapture his tryscoring form thanks to an intuitive connection with Townsend, who always knew where to find the damaging edge forward in attack.
Nanai’s move to the left edge opens up a world of opportunity for five-eighth Tom Dearden and fullback Scott Drinkwater – who regularly pops up on the left edge to finish sets with his left-footed kick.
Nanai said he would “definitely” be just as effective on his new edge despite still finding his feet in defence.
“It’s been good. It’s a bit different at the moment, trying to adjust to playing on the left side defensively, but I’m feeling comfortable out there and I’m excited to play alongside Tommy and our left edge,” Nanai said.
“Tommy is one of the best halves in the game, so if I can get that combination working with Tommy then I reckon we will go a long way.”
Whether Dearden and Drinkwater can unlock the dangerous backrower is yet to be seen.
Since 2022, Townsend amassed 34 try assists from kicks – more than any NRL player besides Ben Hunt – while Drinkwater had 14 and Dearden just nine.
Nanai picked up a syndesmosis injury at the end of last year while touring England with Samoa, returning to North Queensland early to complete a thorough rehabilitation process.
He said that both his recent high ankle injury and the AC joint (acromioclavicular joint in the shoulder) issues that have plagued his early career were under control.
“I came back earlier than I expected. I did my syndesmosis overseas, so I chose to come back early and did some rehab on it, which is good,” Nanai said.
“I’m fully healthy, back now. My shoulders are healthy, the body is feeling good this year, so I’m really excited to get back on the field.
“I’ve worked a lot on my defensive movements. If I can get my defensive movements right then I’ll feel good.”
The Cowboys play Manly on Saturday night, kick-off is at 6.35pm AEST.
More Coverage
Originally published as How Jeremiah Nanai’s big switch will impact North Queensland Cowboys attack in 2025
‘On his way’: Roosters star to switch clubs
Brandon Smith’s playing future in the NRL looks to be decided, with the Roosters hooker expected to land at a rival club.
How grand final heartbreak turned Storm into premiership favourites
In the six months since Melbourne’s grand final loss, coach Craig Bellamy has relived the night. He takes the lessons and attempts to be better. More often than not, he is – and that’s why the Storm start the season as favourites.